Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams - Ready for the challenge
Published:Monday | November 14, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
A pastor, lawyer, educator, wife and mother of three, Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams is ready to take on a new challenge. And the time for this, she believes, is just right.
"I have entered politics at this time because I believe that I am ready. Jamaica needs leadership, I believe that we are in a crisis and at a crossroads. We are entering our 50th year, which is the year of Jubilee. This is a time according to the scriptures when we should celebrate, but it is also a time of reconciliation and a time of blessing."
New to representational politics, Ffolkes-Abrahams will represent the People's National Party (PNP) for the West Central St James seat. And she confidently stands by her party, which she believes has a rich history. "I believe that the PNP is the right party to lead the nation at this time. We have been through a time of turmoil with the present administration and we need healing and hope. I do believe that The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller is the right leader for Jamaica. She is a woman of compassion and a woman of peace, and she has plans that will take us to a new level of prosperity."
She has also cited the performances of former prime ministers Percival James Patterson, Norman Washington Manley and Michael Manley who according to her, have helped to advance the country through several projects which their administration spearheaded.
To make her own mark, she plans to focus on the essentials of her constituents. "My constituents can expect that I will give my best and that I will do all that I can to represent them in Parliament. I will work towards delivering better living conditions for those in my constituency, such as better roads, education and opportunities for skills training and jobs."
She has also identified specific areas of need which she is prepared to address.
"West Central St James represents the fastest growth corridor in the Greater Montego Bay area. I am looking forward to the expansion of the birthing dock to accommodate mega liners to enhance the cruise-shipping business. I hope to expand the IT industry in the Montego Bay Free Zone so that there will be added opportunities for job creation. I will work towards the greater involvement of the diaspora in investment in the Montego Bay Free Zone and in other areas such as health and retirement tourism. We need more low- and middle-income housing opportunities."
She also speaks to the need of the redevelopment of areas, as well as the need to create more skills-training and job opportunities, so that young persons can have alternatives to crime and violence. It is her intention to get community leaders, such as pastors, involved in the redevelopment process.
Prepared to do the necessary work to make her plans a reality, Abrahams says she is not daunted by hard work.
"My family has always been involved in service. My father, Eugene Ffolkes, has served Jamaica and has received his Order of Distinction in engineering. He has been chairman of the Cornwall Regional Hospital for over eight years and my mother, Greta Ffolkes, has served as chairperson of the Mt Alvernia High School board for over eight years as well. My husband, Peter Abrahams, is also a man committed to the community and to service."
As for the support of her new political mission, no complaints there.
"I must say that I have a wonderful husband and really loving and patient children who are sacrificing along with me to do what I feel I must do. I am fortunate to have my entire extended family with me in support, along with my friends and associates."
As the face of politics changes with more women entering, Ffolkes-Abrahams says that there is still a need for even more. She says what makes the journey a lot more stable is the support of family and friends.